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WNBA 2025 Season Start Date and Key Opening Games

ByCoach

The 2025 WNBA season is set to be historic. The league will kick off just over a month after the conclusion of the women’s NCAA Tournament national championship game. This rapid transition means little rest for top college players like UConn’s Paige Bueckers and South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao.

These players are expected to be among the top picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The season will feature the debut of a new expansion team and a record number of games, promising an exciting year for fans and players alike.

WNBA 2025 Season Overview

The 2025 WNBA regular season is scheduled to start on Friday, May 16. This marks the beginning of the league’s 29th season, which will feature an unprecedented 44-game schedule. The preseason will run from Friday, May 2 through Monday, May 12, featuring 15 contests to warm up the teams and players.

Opening Night Tripleheader

The regular season will tip off with a thrilling tripleheader:

  • Atlanta Dream at Washington Mystics
  • Minnesota Lynx at Dallas Wings
  • Los Angeles Sparks at Golden State Valkyries

All eyes will be on the Dallas Wings, who are widely projected to select Paige Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick. This could make opening night even more special as fans witness her WNBA debut. Additionally, the Golden State Valkyries will make their debut as the league’s first expansion team since 2008, bringing the total number of teams to 13.

Key Matchups to Watch

Saturday, May 17

The excitement continues on the league’s second day with two highly anticipated matchups:

  • Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will reignite their college rivalry.
  • New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces: Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson will face off as the Liberty begin their quest to repeat as champions.

These games promise to be thrilling as some of the top talents in women’s basketball go head-to-head, setting the tone for what is sure to be an unforgettable season.

2025 WNBA Draft

Just eight days after the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament championship game, the WNBA will hold its draft. The event is scheduled for Monday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will take place at The Shed in New York City. This draft will be crucial as teams look to bolster their rosters with the best college talent, including standout players like Paige Bueckers and Te-Hina Paopao.

Top Prospects

The 2025 WNBA Draft class is expected to be one of the most talented in recent memory. Here are some of the top prospects to watch:

  • Paige Bueckers (UConn): A dynamic guard known for her scoring and playmaking abilities.
  • Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina): A versatile player who excels on both ends of the floor.
  • Caitlin Clark (Iowa): A prolific scorer with a knack for hitting clutch shots.
  • Angel Reese (LSU): A dominant force in the paint, known for her rebounding and shot-blocking.

These players are expected to make an immediate impact in the WNBA, bringing their collegiate success to the professional level.

Impact of the New Expansion Team

The introduction of the Golden State Valkyries as the 13th team in the WNBA is a significant milestone for the league. This expansion is expected to bring a fresh wave of excitement and competition. The Valkyries will play their home games in San Francisco, adding another major market to the WNBA’s footprint.

Building a Competitive Roster

The Valkyries will have the opportunity to build their roster through the expansion draft, where they can select players from existing WNBA teams. This process will be crucial in assembling a competitive team that can contend from the outset. Fans will be eager to see how the Valkyries’ roster shapes up and how they perform in their inaugural season.

Conclusion

The 2025 WNBA season promises to be one for the history books. With the rapid transition from the NCAA Tournament to the professional league, top college players will have little time to rest before making their mark in the WNBA.

The debut of the Golden State Valkyries and a record 44-game schedule add to the excitement, ensuring that fans have plenty to look forward to.

For more details on the 2025 WNBA season schedule, including key games and player projections, visit the official USA TODAY article.

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